Sheikh Gumi Says Military Bombing Costs Could Be Used to Build Schools in Terror-Hit Areas

Islamic scholar, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has argued that the huge sums spent on aerial bombardment of terrorists in Nigeria could instead be channelled into building schools and addressing the root causes of insecurity.

Speaking during a public discussion on insecurity and counter-terrorism, Gumi said the financial resources deployed in dropping bombs on terrorist hideouts far exceed what would be required to provide education, basic infrastructure and social support in affected communities.

According to him, many young people are drawn into terrorism due to poverty, lack of education and neglect, stressing that military force alone cannot end the crisis. He maintained that investing in schools, skills acquisition and community development would weaken extremist recruitment more effectively than sustained airstrikes.

The cleric further urged the government to adopt a more holistic approach to tackling terrorism by combining security operations with dialogue, education and economic empowerment. He noted that while security forces have a role to play, lasting peace can only be achieved when underlying social and economic problems are addressed.

Gumi’s comments have sparked mixed reactions, with some Nigerians agreeing that education and development are critical to long-term security, while others insist that strong military action remains necessary to contain terrorist groups.